Creation is sacrosanct ...

Sringeri - a snake protects a pregnant frog

Hinduism reveres creation and birth as holiest of holies! The womb or garbha is considered the most sacred place as it houses and nourishes the new life. Where ever new life is ushered, that land is sacred and by that analogy, the entire earth is sacred. The highest duty of man is to protect creation and allow the work of mother nature to flow uninterrupted. 

The legend of Sringeri exemplifies this spirit. Legend has it that when a great sage came to Sringeri, nestled in Sahyadri mountain ranges, he saw an extraordinary sight on the banks of the Tunga river. A cobra with a raised hood was providing shelter to a frog that was about to give birth, providing the mother some shade from the scorching afternoon sun. The sage was struck by this sight where an adverse enemy goes beyond its natural instinct to protect the birth of new life. Here the sage established his first monastery!

The act of procreation is the holy work of nature and not something to be ashamed of. The human body is not considered as vulgar ..instead it is glorified in all its beauty and life giving capability. This spirit is visible in all Hindu temples where sculptures of virile and full-figured humans, pregnant women and all forms of life are equally revered.